Maine vs Texas Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$65,789
in Maine
$82,327
in Texas
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | Maine | Texas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 135.7 | 79.4 | +71% |
| Groceries | 101.0 | 95.3 | +6% |
| Utilities | 118.9 | 102.9 | +16% |
| Transportation | 103.6 | 92.9 | +12% |
| Healthcare | 115.3 | 96.8 | +19% |
| Dining & Misc | 102.0 | 95.2 | +7% |
| Overall | 114.0 | 91.1 | +25% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Maine.
What things actually cost
| Item | Maine | Texas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $380,000 | $295,000 | +$85,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,900/mo | $1,112/mo | +$788 |
| Gas price | $3.47/gal | $3.21/gal | +$0.26 |
| Electric bill | $174/mo | $87/mo | +$87 |
| Infant childcare | $13,310/yr | $10,706/yr | +$2,604 |
Salary equivalent: Maine → Texas
What a Maine salary buys you in Texas, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Maine | Equivalent in Texas | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $39,956 | +$10,044 |
| $75,000 | $59,934 | +$15,066 |
| $100,000 | $79,912 | +$20,088 |
| $150,000 | $119,868 | +$30,132 |
| $200,000 | $159,825 | +$40,175 |
Positive = your money goes further in Texas. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Maine is 25% more expensive than Texas overall. Maine has an index of 114 vs 91.1 for Texas (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Maine or Texas?
Texas is cheaper to live in. Maine is 25% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $380,000 in Maine vs $295,000 in Texas.
Is Texas cheaper than Maine?
Yes, Texas is 25% cheaper than Maine overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Maine more expensive than Texas?
Yes, Maine is 25% more expensive than Texas based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Texas equals $100,000 in Maine?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Maine, you would need approximately $79,912 in Texas. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (114 vs 91.1).
How do housing costs compare between Maine and Texas?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Texas. Median home prices are $380,000 in Maine vs $295,000 in Texas — a $85,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,900/mo vs $1,112/mo.
What costs more in Maine vs Texas?
Housing is 71% higher in Maine (index 135.7 vs 79.4). Healthcare is 19% higher in Maine (index 115.3 vs 96.8). Utilities is 16% higher in Maine (index 118.9 vs 102.9).
Is gas cheaper in Maine or Texas?
Gas averages $3.47/gallon in Maine and $3.21/gallon in Texas — a $0.26 difference per gallon.
Maine vs Texas cost of living — how do they compare?
Maine has an overall cost-of-living index of 114 and Texas has 91.1 (national average = 100). Maine is 25% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Maine and Texas?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Maine vs Texas paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Maine Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Texas Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Maine vs Texas Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Maine — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Texas — How much house can you afford?
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.